ATLANTA — The Home Depot announced its third-quarter sales fell to $19 billion, a 3.5% decrease from the same period last year, according to MediaPost Publications. The company also lowered its outlook and now expects earnings will decrease by as much as 11% from last year.

Results were worst in areas most affected by the poor housing markets, with sales in such Florida markets as Fort Myers and Naples down 20%. In stronger areas, such as Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, TX, sales results have been positive.